Business research and e-commerce activity on the Web can quickly lead users in different directions, and tabs and windows are helpful to segment information for easier review. Pop-up windows can serve valuable tips to a user, as Google does with AdWords help files, without taking a user away from the page he is viewing. Unfortunately, this helpful function is also used as a method to serve unsolicited spam advertisements to users. Internet Explorer has included the ability to block and enable certain pop ups since Internet Explorer 6, but the most recent version has changed the accessibility to this important option.

With IE open on your desktop, click the “Tools” icon and then click “Internet Options.”

Click the “Privacy” tab and locate the option for the pop-up blocker. To disable it entirely, simply uncheck the checkbox. To keep the pop-up blocker active but allow certain websites, click the “Settings” button. In the next box, type the URL of the website(s) you wish to allow access to. Click “Apply” and “OK” to confirm your settings.

Restart Internet Explorer for the changes to take effect.

Tips

You can use "Alt-X" to quickly access the Tools menu from Internet Explorer.

You can still view a blocked pop-up by clicking on the link in the message “Pop-up blocked. To see this pop-up or additional options click here.” The page will refresh and the pop-up will launch properly.

Warning

Information in this article applies to Internet Explorer 10. It may vary slightly or significantly with other versions or products.